Best Whole Roasted Suckling Pigs

Whole roast pig from the Second Annual Pig Roast and Dance Party in March in New York City.

Forget Thanksgiving, it may be time for a new favorite food holiday. Today, December 18th, is National Roast Suckling Pig Day. When I hear those words my salivary glands go into overdrive. I'm transported to the side of a highway between Santo Domingo and Santiago in the Dominican Republic where whole roasted sucklings are laid out on handmade barbeques and cooked to the height of golden, crispiness. It's difficult for any driver to resist pulling over for a bite and una Presidente fria.

Stateside, whole roasted pig isn't as accessible. And snout-to-tail eating may intimidate some. But once you've felt the snap of crackling pigskin, it's tough to find other food quite as exciting. Check out these restaurants, caterers, and hole-in-the-walls in The Daily Meal's 12 featured cities. They all do the whole beast feast. But order in advance, or you might find yourself hog-tied.

Aliante Casino and Hotel 7300 Aliante Parkway North — (702) 692-7315 The “Feast Buffet” includes a whole roast pig. If you’re looking for an alternative hotel off the strip, stay here and indulge in any part of the pig you choose.

Los Angeles

Eva’s Lechon and Deli 4252 West 3rd St. — (213) 383-3179 Eva's only sells one specialty—lechon. Order it four days in advance.

OLA 1745 James St. — (305) 695-9125 At Ola they like to party with their pigs. One of their packages is a Latin barbeque and Mojito making 101, which includes roasting a whole pig and salsa dancing.

New Orleans

Cochon 930 Tchoupitoulas St. — (504) 588-2123 With their own butcher right next door, Cochon’s (French for pig) hogs start out whole and end up delicately mastered onto small plates.

New York

The Breslin 16 West 29th St. — (212) 679-1939 Chef Bloomfield accommodates up to twelve guests with a whole roasted sucking pig, salad and four sides for $65 per person. For $75 per person she'll throw in dessert too.